December cinema column: Hugh is the greatest showman

Jason Day previews Hugh Jackman’s latest film and the best of the other new cinema releases hitting the big screen over the festive period.

The Greatest Showman (out on January 1)
A sawdust and tinsel treat to ring in 2018, this fantastical take on circus impresario P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) co-stars Zac Efron. The soundtrack comes from the Oscar winning La La Land team.

Wonder (December 1)
Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts play the parents of a disfigured boy. They move him from their protective home into the cruel but formative world of school in this moving comedy/drama.

The Disaster Artist (December 6)
The Room is regarded as one of the worst films made. Its mastermind, Tommy Wiseau, became a legend and laughing stock for his passion to create the movie and questionable directorial style. This account of the film’s production stars James and Dave Franco.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (December 14)
Carrie Fisher’s death earlier this year cast a shadow over this dark addition to the galactic saga. She signs off with her most famous role, Princess/General Leia, leading the resistance against the all-powerful Empire. Co-starring Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill.

Ferdinand (December 16)
In this animated yarn from the team behind Ice Age, wrestler John Cena voices the title character, a bull kidnapped after being mistaken for a bullfighting champ. The animation and childpleasing humour are A-grade, despite the lack of star names in the cast.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (December 20)
Crass but spectacular remake of the ‘board game takes over a suburban house’ original. Dwayne Johnson and his friends are sucked into a computer game set in a dangerous jungle environment and must battle their way out.

Molly’s Game (December 26)
From screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and starring Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba, there is pedigree to this slick drama. The government puts a deal on the table that requires a casino scammer to turn informant on her high profile ‘partners’.

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